How to prepare for virtual interviews
These steps may help you prepare for a virtual interview.
1. Give the interviewee time to prepare
Consider scheduling interviews three to five days in advance. This time can allow candidates to prepare necessary documents, such as a job portfolio, or research your company more in-depth to ensure they’re confident and comfortable during the interview. It can also demonstrate professionalism and thoughtfulness, which may lead to a more positive candidate experience.
2. Prepare questions and develop a standardized rating system
Prepare interview questions in advance. Use the candidate’s resume and other application documents to develop interview questions related to their experience and qualifications. Each question should have a specific purpose.
Next, develop a standardized system for rating each candidate’s qualifications. You can use this system to help keep the process fair, equitable and consistent. After completing the virtual interviews, your rating system can help you identify quality applicants.
3. Assemble your interview panel
When conducting virtual interviews on Indeed’s video interview platform, multiple interviewers can join the same interview room. You can host back-to-back virtual panel interviews, a process that involves multiple interviewers to potentially gain a rounded perspective of each candidate. Share your list of questions with panel members, along with a copy of your rating system.
4. Choose a quiet location to conduct your interviews
Holding virtual interviews in a distraction-free environment helps give candidates your full attention. If you’re conducting virtual interviews from home, you might choose a quiet room separate from pets or family members.
5. Test your equipment
Test your audio, video and network connection before conducting online interviews. You might try a test call with a colleague before conducting a formal interview. During the test, check for audio feedback, poor network connectivity and other issues.
6. Send the candidate a virtual interview invitation
Send each candidate a virtual invitation to interview. The invitation may include the following information:
- Date of interview
- Interview time, including the time zone
- Format (audio, video, etc.)
- Access code
- Link to virtual interviewing platform
Include your anticipated interview length and request any additional documentation the candidate should prepare.
Indeed Interview makes it easy to schedule virtual interviews and send digital invites. The platform suggests multiple interview slots and allows hiring managers to provide additional details. Candidates can also accept or decline the invitation or suggest a different interview time.
How to conduct a virtual interview
Once you have your interviews scheduled, consider following these virtual interviewing tips for hiring managers.
1. Introduce yourself and make the candidate comfortable
For a better interview experience, it’s important for candidates to feel comfortable. When they feel comfortable, they can typically better explain their experience, skills and knowledge. When the interview begins, introduce yourself and your role at the company so candidates understand their potential working relationship with you.
2. Conduct the virtual interview as you would an in-person interview
You should treat virtual interviews the same as in-person interviews. Use professional language, silence your phone and mute computer notifications to avoid distractions. Let the candidate know if you plan to take notes during the interview.
3. Ask your prepared questions
Use your list of prepared questions, and consider asking follow-up questions to gather relevant information. Follow-up questions can encourage candidates to think more critically about specific topics. Examples may include “Why do you think that is?” and “What was the outcome?” The situation, task, action and result (STAR) interview format can help candidates respond to your questions.
You may also consider using Indeed Interview, Indeed’s interview platform, to take notes in real time.
4. Give the interviewee time to answer
You might experience a delay when conducting interviews with a computer or phone. To account for this, give the candidate plenty of time to respond. If the candidate cuts off, ask them to repeat their answer.
5. Discuss your company’s culture and values
Holding virtual interviews can make it challenging for candidates to understand your company’s culture and office environment. To set clear expectations for potential hires, inform each candidate about your company culture, values and work environment.
6. Provide information on what the candidate can expect going forward
At the end of each virtual interview, inform the interviewee what they can expect going forward. You might mention when you plan to choose a candidate for the position, how you’ll inform candidates and whether you may require additional information.
7. Let candidates ask questions
Always leave enough time for the candidate to ask questions near the end of the video interview.
8. Follow up with candidates as promised
Even if you choose a different candidate, you should still connect with other applicants and inform them of your decision. Following up with candidates demonstrates professionalism and may improve the candidate experience.
